Joey Stylez
 | This article has an unclear citation style. (December 2019) |
Joey Stylez | |
|---|---|
| File:Joey Stylez .jpg | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Joseph Dale Marlin LaPlante |
| Born | May 14, 1981 |
| Origin | Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Genres | Hip hop, rap, street pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, rapper, producer, visual artist |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Labels | Universal, Stressed Street, Flight Academy Music |
| Website | joeystylez |
Joseph Dale Marlin LaPlante (born May 14, 1981), better known for his stage name Joey Stylez, is a First Nations-Métis Canadian singer-songwriter, rapper, hip-hop artist, First Nations activist, fashion designer, visual artist.
Music career
Joey Stylez started freestyle rapping when he was in high school but never started to take it serious until he was in grade 12. He often says he was both naturally good at making music but worked hard to get where is today. He never had his break until 2006 when his cult classic music video "Longway" dropped and it showcased the hard life that the Plains Indians of Canada are forced to live. After making it onto Radio and T.V his music became much lighter and many felt that he had sold out his original core fanbase. But he credits the change in sound and content to the travel and experiences that the success in music brought him, and the music he was making reflected where he was in his life. He has since been back and forth between Rap, Pop and Indie Rock Music.
Early life
Born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, 1 of 8 siblings Joey is the son of Métis Politician Lorna Ledoux, and First Nation Political Advisor Gary Laplante. Both his parents came from tough beginnings to find success in their respected fields. His parents split when he was very young and it effected his behaviour in his younger years. He was very much into basketball and would travel to tournaments with his Dads team all across North America. Back in 2003 when his cousin Kevin Mocasin was stabbed to death, it sent him down a dark road he narrowly escaped. There was one instance he speaks about in his workshops where he had a spiritual revelation that came to him as he was facing serious trouble with the law. After he was cleared from the situation he made a promise to his late uncle Isho, and cousin Kevin Mocasin in prayer that he would change his life for the better, and he has honoured that deal since that day.
Discography
- Trap Famous (mixtape) (2006)
- Chief of the North (mixtape) (2007)
- The Blackstar (2009)
- "The Lost Filez" (2010)
- Red Makaveli (2012)
- Feather + Rosary (2013)
- Medicine Man Mixtape(2014)
- #GREYMAGIC(2016)
- The Star Chief(2018)
- Warrior Sun(2019)
Film and Television
Oscar nominated Screen Writer & Director Taylor Sheridan and Joey Stylez formed a relationship in 2017 when his song "See You in Hell" was featured on Taylor Sheridan's Film "Wind River". Since then he was featured on the T.V series "Yellowstone" season 1 & season 2 as himself.
Visual Art
In high school graffiti art captivated young Joey Stylez and his group of peers. That love of art carried on with him and he took to painting and designing pop art clothing back in 2012. His style has a Street Art and Native American art influence and his work is easily identifiable. Because of his Musial background he has done works for many well known figures in the political and entertainment realm.
Awards and nominations
| Year | Ceremony | Nominated work | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards[1] | Sugarcane, The Blackstar | Best Music Video | Won |
| 2010 | Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards[1] | "Kool Runnin" | Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year | Won |
| 2010 | Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards[1] | "The Blackstar" | Best Pop CD | Won |
| 2017 | Indigenous Music Awards | "#GREYMAGIC" | Best Rap Album | Won |
| 2018 | Saskatchewan Music Awards | Indigenous Artist of the Year | Won | |
| Year | Ceremony | Nominated work | Category | Result |
| 2010 | Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards[1] | "The Blackstar" | Aboriginal Male Entertainer of the Year | Nominated |
| 2010 | Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards[1] | "The Blackstar" | Best New Artist | Nominated |
| 2010 | Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards[1] | "Kool Runnin" | Single of the Year | Nominated |
| 2010 | Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards | "The Blackstar" | Entertainer of the Year | Nominated |
| 2011 | Juno | "The Blackstar" | Aboriginal Album of the Year | Nominated |
| 2014 | Native American Music Awards | "Feather + Rosary" | Best Pop Album | Nominated |
| 2017 | Native American Music Awards | "Urban Nativez" with Sten Joddi | Single of the Year | Nominated |
Community work
2013 was a tremendous year of self growth and healing for Joey as he began to travel across North America doing community health & wellness workshops, goal reaching sessions, and promoting a spiritual and clean lifestyle to youth.
Spiritual life
Raised under the Métis Catholic and Traditional Plains Cree teachings, he now spreads his message of gratitude and connects with prayer daily as he spreads a message and promotes a spiritual lifestyle in his travels.
Personal life
Joey often mentions starting a family as his greatest achievement. He has a son and a daughter with his partner Carsen Gray, and they have since planted their roots in the traditional Haida Territory, of Haida Gwaii.
References
- Joey Stylez Makes Music for Indigenous Warriors (2016)
- Joey Stylez The Star Chief album review | Vancouver Sun (2018)
- How TV Western 'Yellowstone' Created Its Gritty World With Country, Americana Music (2019)
- How TV Western 'Yellowstone' Created Its Gritty World With Country, Americana Music (2019)
- Joey Stylez Talks New Single ‘Super Power’ (2019)